The rainy season often brings a fresh and pleasant atmosphere after hot summer days. However, along with rain and high humidity, this time also has many potential risks of disease, especially respiratory infections, digestive diseases or diseases transmitted by mosquitoes. Elderly people, with weakened immune systems and common underlying diseases, are the most vulnerable group during this period, according to Onlymyhealth.
Dr. Manish Maheshwari, Consultant Internal Medicine at Narayana Hospital, Ahmedabad, shares some tips to help the elderly maintain their health and prevent diseases during the rainy season.
Eat healthy, gently
During the rainy season, the elderly should prioritize fresh, light, easily digestible meals with enough nutrients to increase resistance. Avoid foods with a high risk of infection such as street food, raw salads or pre-cut fruits, because these are dishes that are easily polluted in humid weather conditions.
Drink clean and sufficient water
Drinking enough water is an important factor in helping the body maintain health and fight pathogens. Especially during the rainy season, the elderly should drink boiled water or filtered water to ensure hygiene. storing water in clean, well-covered containers and maintaining a regular water intake throughout the day will help reduce the risk of gastrointestinal infections.
Maintain personal hygiene carefully
Personal hygiene is the most effective way to prevent diseases. Elderly people need to wash their hands regularly with soap, keep their nails short and clean, avoid contact with dirty rainwater or surfaces with the risk of infection. These habits help prevent infections caused by bacteria, viruses and fungi.
Effective mosquito prevention
The rainy season creates favorable conditions for mosquitoes to breed, increasing the risk of infectious diseases such as dengue fever and malaria. Elderly people should use sleeping nets, mosquito repellent, wear long-sleeved clothes and regularly clean their home to remove stagnant water holes and mosquito breeding areas.
Recognize and treat symptoms early
Unusual signs such as fever, fatigue, chills, body aches, sore throats, rashes or abdominal pain in the elderly should not be taken lightly during the rainy season. These symptoms can warn of diseases transmitted by viruses or mosquitoes. Timely examination and treatment will help avoid serious complications.
Support to strengthen the immune system
To have enough strength to cope with disease, the elderly need to rest enough, maintain gentle movement indoors and supplement vitamins and minerals as prescribed by the doctor, especially vitamin C, vitamin D and zinc. A healthy immune system will reduce the risk of infections during the rainy season.
Note
The rainy season can bring a cool and pleasant atmosphere, but at the same time, it is the time when many diseases are likely to arise, especially for the elderly. By applying simple measures such as eating reasonably, drinking clean water, personal hygiene, mosquito prevention and close health monitoring, the elderly can completely stay healthy and enjoy a safe and happy rainy season with their family.
